Patient experiences home infusion benefits poolside

Sharon*, a home infusion patient, previously traveled 20+ miles roundtrip to receive her medication infusions from within an IU Health infusion center. Now, the farthest she travels for her infusions is her own backyard.

“If the weather's nice on my infusion day, my nurse and I sit outside and I do my infusion poolside,” says Sharon.

Sharon has been receiving care from the IU Health home infusion team for three years and is thankful for the flexibility and convenience that this unique care brings. When her insurance switched her from an infusion center to home infusions, she was initially skeptical. While the change immediately reduced travel time and transportation needs to and from an IU Health infusion center, it took some time and trust in the process to see and understand the full benefits.

“I was initially worried about the whole process,” says Sharon. “I just wasn't sure what it'd be like having someone in my home, having to keep all of the equipment and I just thought that it was a little strange.”

After getting settled with her new norm at-home and feeling comfortable with her nurse, her skepticism diminished.

“It's been very seamless from the start and is honestly much more relaxing,” says Sharon. “Once my nurse showed up and went over everything, I felt reassured and it was no problem.”

Sharon has been with her same nurse, Sharon Ferguson, clinical nurse, since the start.

“I have been incredibly blessed to build meaningful relationships with each of my patients,” says Ferguson. “They have welcomed me into their homes, shared their life stories, allowed me to care for them during difficult seasons, and, in return, have touched my heart in countless ways.”

With frequent visits over the last three years, Sharon and Ferguson have developed a bond. They enjoy conversation together and time spent poolside, weather dependent. Sharon also makes sure to offer her lunch during her visits.

“I've been lucky to have the same nurse the entire time,” says Sharon. “I told her she can never retire, because I don't know what I would do without her.”

An added benefit to Sharon’s home infusion experience is the schedule flexibility it brings. Recently, Ferguson accommodated Sharon’s vacation plans by adjusting her infusion schedule, allowing her to vacation with confidence and ease.

“My nurse contacted the pharmacy directly and they said, ‘no problem’. They went right along with that change to meet my schedule needs,” says Sharon.

For patients who could benefit from the transition to home infusions, Sharon encourages them to give it a try.

“You just have to do it, experience it, see what it’s like and break through that initial fear barrier,” says Sharon. “The amount of equipment storage isn’t that bad, too. Give it one or two times and then you'll really realize you would not want to go back to an infusion center. Once you realize you can do this from the comfort of your own home, and even the comfort of your pajamas, you’ll never want to go back.”

Learn more about home infusion here.

*Patient’s last name was removed at their request.